ACP Art Producers

become an artist commissioning program art producer

Are you interested in commissioning artists to create new art works?

An Art Producer can be a community member, art lover, and artist with a passion for the arts. As an Art Producer, you will be responsible for selecting two artists to receive a $10,000 commission, and working with them to support their project and creative practice. If you are interested in supporting Queens artists, art making, and the cultural vitality of the borough, then you would make a great art producer.

Our application cycle is now closed, and will reopen in the Fall of 2018. Please check back August 2018 for details.

WHAT

In this role, you will:

Support a group of four artists (composed of playwrights, choreographers, and/or composers) by commissioning four new plays, musical scores, and/or choreographic works

Engage in thoughtful discussions about which interpretive performance art forms are important to support, where the cultural gaps are, and select the diverse stories you believe are not being told

Participate in the creative process from inception to completion by attending and participating in monthly art events, as well as the artists’ dress rehearsals and world premieres

WHY

We designed the role of an Art Producer to provide a way to engage with artists and art beyond traditional roles, such as that of a ticket buyer, consumer, or donor. Being an Art Producer will enable you to become part of a new arts support culture, helping grow widespread recognition of Queens as a place where artists are supported and contribute works to the American canon.

Queens is the most diverse county in the United States. If we want performing artwork in Queens that reflects this cultural diversity, we need to support artists that create it. This is why the artists selected for this program will be those who tell untold stories, fly under the radar of the cultural mainstream, or too often go underrepresented.

who: eligibility

Anyone who lives in Queens with an interest and appreciation for the arts can participate as an art producer. You need not be an artist or otherwise currently involved in the arts. We encourage people from different fields and perspectives to apply! Preference will be given to Jamaica and Jackson Heights residents. If selected, we will ask you to provide proof of residency.

how

After participating in the selection panel, you will engage with artists during the creation and presentation of the work during monthly events such as studio visits, artist talks, and professional development events. At the end of the year (Summer 2018), you will attend and participate in the artists’ final dress rehearsals and world premieres. These events will enhance Queens as a supportive ecosystem of artists, art producers, and audiences.

WHEN

The project will run from August 2017 to June 2018. Art Producers must attend the following events:

December 2017-May 2018 Monthly events, such as Art Salons/Studio Visits/Artist Talks/ Professional Development events

June 2018 Final Dress Rehearsals

July/August 2018 World Premieres

evaluation criteria

Art Producers will be selected based on:

Demonstrated capacity to serve as a resource and support system for Queens-based artists

Rationale for participation

Passion for cultivating the unique stories and cultural influences characteristic of the borough

Commitment to the program, as demonstrated by the candidate's willingness to designate time and monetary resources in the amount of a $100 participation fee

Interest in developing an arts infrastructure that supports Queens artists both during and after the Artist Commissioning Program

DUTIES

Art Producers will commit to 1-year participation in the ACP where they are expected to:

Participate in a peer panel to select 4 artists who will each receive a $10,000 commission

Pay a $100 commissioning fee to participate, demonstrating your investment in the program and interest in independently supporting artists in the future following the completion ACP (due prior to October 12 Selection Panel)

Actively contribute to growing a creative, diverse network of arts supporters and artists